DVD won't play

[porshiepoo]

My laptops DVD player has just decided to stop playing DVD's although cd's are playing fine. Does this mean I need to replace the DVD drive?
I've tried un installing and rebooting but it still doesn't play, it just whirs and beeps.
If I have to replace it where do I find one compatible with a Fujitsu Siemens Amilo pro V2055? I've checked the net but it's all double dutch to me. Assuming of course that I can replace it and don't have to go for an external one??

Thanks for any help.

[Mr_Me19]

I would try a laser lens cleaner just to be on the safe side. What software do you use for playing the DVD's?

[porshiepoo]

It usually starts automatically with Intervideo windvd. I've never had a problem before now suddenly it's not working. I'll try the laser cleaner though.

[maidencaithness]

Cleaning is good place to start CD's and DVD's use different wavelength of laser so one can be working while other isn't.

You don't need to replace with drive from manufacturer but the problem is usually that some drives have odd shaped bezels and if this is case you'd need to carefully remove existing one and buy one which you can fix it to. But if just bog standard one with flat front then most will fit.

[porshiepoo]

This drive does have an odd shape to it so I guess I'll either have to be extremely careful with sizing or go for an external drive. Poops!!!! :(

[Mr_Me19]

Have you tried using any other software? E.g. Windows Media Player or VLC?

[porshiepoo]

Yes, I've tried both, nothing works.

[maidencaithness]

Yes, I've tried both, nothing works.

Chances are you'll need to replace it PC drives aren't as durable as your home DVD players and if it's old enough to be out of warranty then it's old enough to fail.

[porshiepoo]

Any ideas how I find one compatible with the laptop??

[maidencaithness]

Any ideas how I find one compatible with the laptop??

Here's one on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Hitachi-LG-GCC-4244N-DVD-ROM-CD-RW-Optical-Drive-7-94_W0QQitemZ170151640167QQihZ007QQcategoryZ131540Q QtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem#ShippingPayment (http://forum.caithness.org/go.php?url=http://cgi.ebay.ie/Hitachi-LG-GCC-4244N-DVD-ROM-CD-RW-Optical-Drive-7-94_W0QQitemZ170151640167QQihZ007QQcategoryZ131540Q QtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem#ShippingPayment)

which is used but tested working and includes the bezel. When/if you go to fit it yourself and think you've undone all the screws but still doesn't come out there may be one under the keyboard. Laptops are a pain to work on more screws than a desktop and usually varying sizes.